According to a recent study, people who are 30 to 45 years of age should start their screening of type 2 diabetes that was earlier recommended from 45 years.

Sequential screening for type 2 diabetes when started between the ages of 30 and 45 years is cost effective.

Seven screening strategies were compared using a mathematical model by Dr Richard Kahn, from the American Diabetes Association, Alexandria, Virginia, and associates. The screening started at the age of 30 to age 60 or upon diagnosis of high blood pressure. It was repeated every three to five years until age 75 to no screening or maximum screening every six months starting at age 30.

For the study, the researchers assessed about 325,000 people who were non-diabetic and were aged 30. The model stated that if screening of type 2 diabetes started at 30 or 45 years of age then it proved to be cost effective and may curb heart attacks and other complications.

Kahn recommends that the screening should begin between the ages of 30 and 45, and repeat every three to five years.

He added, "Doctors should pick whatever they feel most comfortable doing. To make it simple and to remind people when to get screened, they may want to do it when they screen for cholesterol, starting at age 45 then every 5 years."